When the Colorado Avalanche open their home schedule on Oct. 12 against the Columbus Blue Jackets, they’ll be celebrating the reigning Hart and Ted Lindsay winner, Nathan MacKinnon.
On Tuesday, the Avalanche made it official that all of MacKinnon’s accomplishments from the 2023-24 season will be celebrated when Columbus comes to town. Not only did MacKinnon take home both the Hart and Ted Lindsay, but he broke the franchise record for points in a season that was previously held by Peter Stastny. Stastny put up 139 points back in 1981-82, while the 29 year old MVP hit 140 last season.
Both trophies will be available for photos on the Ball Arena concourse that night.
MacKinnon is currently in Las Vegas representing the organization during the NHL Media Tour. Last year, it was Bowen Byram who was sent for those festivities, but it’s kind of hard to not send the league MVP when he’s on your team. Nate was at Family Sports yesterday skating with all of his teammates, and was up in Vail last week training with the likes of Sidney Crosby. Those two will likely be linemates in a few months when they suit up for Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-off.
The Avalanche will hold several theme nights throughout the year. Here’s a full list of them.
Oct. 12 – Opening Night/Nathan MacKinnon celebration
Oct. 18 – Military Appreciation Night
Nov. 9 – Hockey Fights Cancer
Jan. 4 – Next Generation Night
Feb. 26 – Pride Night
March 6 – Girls Hockey Night
March 27 – Colorado Hockey Night
April 10 – Fan Appreciation Night (last home game of the regular season)
The Avalanche rookies hit the ice at Family Sports on Thursday before heading to Los Angeles for the Rookie Faceoff. If you do happen to come and watch them skate, it might be wise to stick around a little while, as the veterans will probably take the ice on the other rink as they prepare for training camp. MacKinnon might not be there, but most of the veterans on the team are already in town.
